VINELAND – Chris Jennings, a school board member since 2012, submitted his resignation on Tuesday but hopes to continue his public service as a Cumberland County freeholder.

Jennings, planning to seek office as a Democrat, is the second former Vineland school board president to enter the freeholder race. Jeff Bordley is running on the Republican side of the ticket.

When contacted Tuesday, Jennings noted his resignation — coming on the eve of the 2019-20 school budget presentation — was effective immediately.

“I have had the privilege and honor of serving as a member of the Vineland school board since 2012,” Jennings wrote in his resignation letter.

“Since that day, the district (has) seen many changes, overcome many obstacles and worked every day to improve the services we offer to students,” he wrote. “Through this, I have remained committed and focused to work with my colleagues in delivering results while vigorously pursuing improvements in every aspect of our operations.”

After talking with his wife, Darla, Jennings said he is ready for a new level of public service but added his personal decision “should not be at the detriment of the work this board needs to do.”

“Understanding that new pursuits may limit the time, commitment and focus deserved by my neighbors, my fellow board members, our administration and our students, we have decided the appropriate course of action is for me to resign my position at this time,” Jennings said.

The board can then fill his seat “in a timely fashion," he said.

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Christopher E. Jennings takes the oath of office while his wife Darla holds the bible during a Vineland Board of Education reorganization meeting on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.(Photo: Adam Monacelli/Staff Photographer)

Jennings was sworn-in to a three-year term in January after a successful re-election bid.

It will be up to the school board to advertise for those interested in filling the vacancy. They will select someone to serve until the next election. Then voters will determine who will complete the unexpired term.

Durand Elementary School art teacher Cynthia Doulis talks about her third-graders creating art in the style of Michelangelo. To replicate the environment that Michelangelo was working in, each student laid under their desk as they drew on Friday, March 1, 2019.
Adam Monacelli, Vineland Daily Journal